Tinospora cordifolia is a common climbing shrub that grows on other trees. It's native to India. Its root, stems, and leaves are used in Ayurvedic medicine.
Tinospora cordifolia contains many different chemicals that might affect the body. Some of these chemicals might have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Others might affect the immune system.
People use Tinospora cordifolia for hay fever, athletic performance, diabetes, high cholesterol, upset stomach, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse Tinospora cordifolia with Andrachne, Arnica, Cha de Bugre, Cordyceps, Sida cordifolia, or Spearmint. These are not the same.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using Tinospora cordifolia for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Tinospora cordifolia stem extract is possibly safe when used short-term. It might cause headache or nasal pain in some people. There isn't enough reliable information to know if other parts of the plant are safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Tinospora cordifolia is safe. It might cause burning, itching, and redness when applied to the skin.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Tinospora cordifolia is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
"Autoimmune diseases" such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Tinospora cordifolia might cause the immune system to become more active. This could increase the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, avoid using Tinospora cordifolia.
Surgery: Tinospora cordifolia might affect blood sugar levels. This might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop taking Tinospora cordifolia at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Tinospora cordifolia might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Tinospora cordifolia might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Tinospora cordifolia might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Tinospora cordifolia might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Tinospora cordifolia might lower blood sugar levels. Taking Tinospora cordifolia along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Tinospora cordifolia can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking Tinospora cordifolia along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Tinospora cordifolia might lower blood sugar. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might lower blood sugar too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include aloe, bitter melon, cassia cinnamon, chromium, and prickly pear cactus.
There are no known interactions with foods.
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of Tinospora cordifolia might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using .
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